Mr. Paddy Purser:

On the question of targets, as the Deputy indicated, we are well below afforestation targets and therefore we will be falling behind even what was signed up to as a forestry commitment in Paris with every year that we fail to reach baked-in targets. The Deputy asked how we drive the recovery in this and that process is under way with wide industry support. Although the process has support, the outcomes are on the line. I refer to Project Woodland, which the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, initiated through her Department. There is widespread support for the process in the forestry sector and engagement in it. There are four strands in this, with one specifically looking at how to reach the targets that have been set. Another of the strands looks at what is an appropriate target over the next ten or 20 years, along with what is an appropriate strategy around that?

Within the forest research area, there is a Council for Forest Research and Development, COFORD, committee that is also looking at land availability. It is doing good work in that regard. There are processes in place but the Project Woodland initiative must be given a chance. Everybody who should be involved in that process is involved and everybody is working hard to achieve its aims.